1. What to Look for in a Pair of Tactical Pants

Whether you are a police officer, a firefighter, a military operator or any other rugged professional, you know you need special clothing to get the best performance on your job. No matter how challenging your job might be, it’s a sure thing that you can only be your very best if you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing.

In these special situations your apparel has to be, head to toe, the high performance kind. Your apparel has to be durable, useful, flexible and to suit up the most capable gear.

Tactical pants. The whole nine yards.

We can’t talk about tactical apparel without talking about tactical pants. These pants are related to cargo pants, but include some changes as they are specially designed for various professions, going from EMTs, FBI to SWAT team agents, military and fire professionals and law enforcement officers.

Tactical pants were worn by mountain climbers in the beginning but nowadays they come in various styles. Most tactical pants are solid in color and this is what makes them different from cargo pants.

Tactical pants are made of lightweight materials (35% poly cotton ripstop and 65% polyester is the most frequent combination) and they feature strong, thick belt loops to support a big belt. You do need to hang to this belt cuffs, sidearm or other weighty gear.

Typically, tactical pants have external knife pockets and the seat is double reinforced. The knees give good abrasion protection and, on the models that offer this feature, you can use neoprene knee pads inside the knee slots.

Tactical pants come in many styles and you can reinforce them according to your needs. This goes from gussets, bar-tacks to even coating the tactical pants with Teflon.

We heard this straight from the horse’s mouth

There are some tips to look for, some things to pay attention to when buying your tactical pants.

For instance, good tactical pants should be DWR-durable water repellent. This means they are stain resistant and dry quickly just as well.

Many good tactical pants have easy-access, top-opening mag pouches on both legs. The pockets have elastic webbing inside to help you store wisely whatever you might need: knives, flashlights or any other items needed for easy access.

When you take a look at tactical pants, look for the ones that feature vertical zippered storage pockets outside for an easier access while seated.

Keep in mind that it’s also a good idea to have large hidden zippered pockets to keep the most precious items secure, yet easily accessible.

Double layering on the seat and knees is also something important for good tactical pants- it only gives you more protection and durability to the pants.

Your new tactical pants should also feature many cord loops, especially on the front waistband so that you can attach carabiners or other gear items.

Hand pockets and leg cuffs need to have reinforced hems so that your tactical pants last longer.

Long story short…

There are many brands to choose from when it comes to tactical pants. They create long lasting pants that let you store weapons and tactical gear. These tactical pants are both comfortable and flexible and help you be the best on your job. On any given day…

2. Rangermade’s Top 5 Tactical Pants Reviews

These imported tactical pants are made from 65% Polyester and 35%Cotton and this makes them lightweight.

They are comfortable and give freedom on the move, no matter how heavily loaded they get. Because you can add as many things as you need since they seem to have a pocket for everything.

The pants have an elastic waistband and no less than 7 belt loops, extremely useful. The external knife pocket, the rear web strap allow you to pack all the gear you need for your work or on your trails.

There are almost 50 individual bartacks in high stress areas and the pants are triple-stitch reinforced… so they are long lasting as hell! The YKK zippers and Prym snaps hold up pretty good, no matter where you go.

The double thick seat and knees (knee pad ready) add on to the pants being long lasting.

These tactical pants are made of Taclite poly/cotton ripstop fabric which gives them high performance no matter how hot or wet it gets outside. This fabric is Teflon treated so it protects against stains, spills and soil.

The slash rear pockets and the D-ring from the hip help you with your keys or ID.

These lightweight tactical pants have many details, are breathable and comfortable. They are easy to wash, the colors don’t run out and they dry quickly also.

The full gusseted crotch and the single pleats, the Velcro cell pockets make these tactical pants a great investment any time.

Let’s sum up the pros:

the pants are comfortable

they fit so many things as they have well organized pockets and lots of them

the pants feature YKK zippers and Prym snaps

the knees and seat are double thick and the knees are knee pad ready

the pants are made of Teflon treated Taclite poly/cotton ripstop fabric

the crotch is fully gusseted and the cell pockets have Velcro

On the downside, there are some things to mention:

these pants are a bit pricey

some noticed the pants get too hot in the summertime

some felt the pants to be too long in the crotch area

All in all, they may be a great fit for you, since these are some of the best tactical pants out there.

3. The Best Tactical Pants for Everyday Wear

As a great option for you on your daily business, you can go with these Stryke Pant w/ Flex-Tac by 5.11.

Even though they have the qualities of any tactical pants, they are not as heavy weight as others.

These pants are made of 65%Polyester and 35% Cotton and give plenty of pockets to secure your items. The cargo pockets have pockets within and the hand pockets are reinforced- so you can load them all you can.

The bottom of the pant’s legs has openings for a blousing strap to be inserted when needed.

The pockets are placed just in the right places and the pants don’t bind when sitting, giving comfort at all times. They are low-profile angled and provide easy access.

The double knee is subtle and comes with an interior knee pad pocket.

The badge holder front belt loops give you the chance to hang your items/gear and the self-adjusting tunnel waistband ensures a good fit.

Short list of pros:

the pants are comfortable and lightweight

they have plenty of well placed pockets

the pants give a good fit

the double knee has interior knee pad pocket

the pants give freedom on the move and are breathable

the pockets are easy to access and low-profile

the waistband is self-adjustable

the pants go well for outdoor activities and even at the gym

There are some downsides to these pants, so here are our cons:

they run a bit pricey

the colors of the fabric are fading fast

the fabric stains easily

the pants collect hair and debris pretty easily

the elastic waist band is a tad too tight

These pants are a great buy as they work for your daily tasks and the weekend trips as well.

4. The Best Tactical Cargo Pants

The 5.11 Covert Cargo Pants are made of 100% cotton. They have double and triple-stitch construction and bartacks in the high stress areas. There’s is also Cordura nylon lining in select zones.

The pockets are deep and the pants have dual front and casual looking rear pockets. There are large covert pockets on both legs where you can wear your magazines. The pockets have also a sleek, subtle design.

You can even wear two pistol mags thanks to the two zippered pockets.

The YKK zippers and Pryms snaps make these pants last for a long time.

The self-adjusting tunnel waistband gives you a good fit.

These tactical cargo pants have a good built, a clever design and give massive cargo space. They work great when traveling and the tough, breathable material makes them long lasting.

Short list of pros:

the pants are comfortable and lightweight

the pockets are deep and well designed, hidden

the loops are thin

the cargo space is huge

the fabric is breathable and strong

There are some minor issues with these pants. Our short list of cons:

the pants look a bit baggy

in time, they develop some light outlines so it’s better to go with a light color from the beginning

the cut of the pants is too billowy

But, all in all, these pants will serve you good as tactical cargo pants.